Academic Reading I Syllabus
“The ability to read awoke inside me some
long dormant craving to be mentally
alive.”
_Malcolm X
Course Description
This course is designed for the student who wants to become a proficient reader at grade level.
Small groups explore what 21st century reading encompasses and what proficient readers do when
they read. Particular emphasis is placed on learning related to how the brain works, and how to use
knowledge of the brain to enhance personal learning. In addition, students study about personal
efficacy and different mindsets and how these influence successful learning. The course focuses on
both independent and content area reading. Students will learn how to accelerate their reading and
develop successful reading strategies including, building vocabulary, summarizing, making
inferences, synthesizing, asking questions, and visualizing.
Enduring Understandings
 People construct knowledge from information.
 Information is a commodity that needs to be processed.
 Not all information is neutral.
 Information is dynamic. Not static.
 Reading is an active process requiring the reader to interact dynamically with the text
 Preconceived ideas of yourself as a learner can dramatically affect the type and quality of
your thinking.
 Understanding how the brain works sets the stage for productive thinking.
Skills
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Organizing Text
Making Connections
Activating Background Knowledge
Visualizing
Synthesizing
Making inferences/Predicting
Identifying and analyzing Important Ideas
Generating and Answering Questions
Understanding and Remembering Word Meanings
Monitoring Own Comprehension
Thinking Critically
KNOWLEDGE
 Understands the importance of life-long learning and reading
 Effectively uses reading and study skills,
 Uses preferred modalities to meet individual needs
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Reads at grade level or above
Knows how to think about their thinking to construct knowledge (Metacognition)
Increases working vocabulary
Uses communication and listening skills effectively
Expectations
 General classroom expectations
o Attendance
 Attend class daily. Unexcused absences result in no credit for the missed day’s
work.
o Tardiness
 Report on time. The third tardy and every subsequent tardy is a detention. If
you are late for class and are excused, silently hand me your pass and take a
seat.
o Materials
 Have materials/homework ready daily
 Supply list
 Composition Notebook
 Folder
 Pen AND pencil
Technology
Please use your cell phone outside of class. Don’t miss a chance to be learning because you
are busy on your phone. Using class time to text, check messages, etc. is not a good use of
your time and puts you in the inconvenient position of having to give up your cell phone for
the rest of the day.
Food and drink
Feel free to bring water to class to drink. Other food or drink should be consumed during
lunch or free periods.
Class participation
Participation in this class is important. Research supports the efficacy of collaborative
learning. Generously sharing your thinking and learning makes us all smarter.
Grading:
Grades are based on class participation, independent reading, class assignments, weekly
work, and projects.
Grading Scale:
A
B
C
D
Contact Information
Nancy Saguto
Email: nancysaguto@claytonschools.net
100-90%
89-80%
79-70%
69-60%
Phone: 314-854-6052 (work voicemail)